Director Brad Bird has long advocated for animation as a mature art form capable of any genre, not just children's entertainment. His latest film, <em>Ray Gunn</em>, a retrofuturist murder mystery he has been developing for nearly 30 years, serves as a powerful testament to this vision. Released by Skydance Animation, the movie sees detective Ray Gunn, voiced by Sam Rockwell, investigating a murder amidst a sprawling, art deco-inspired metropolis filled with hoverbikes and laser shootouts.
While older children might find enjoyment in its fantastical elements, <em>Ray Gunn</em> is unequivocally crafted for an adult audience, echoing Bird's past arguments about animation's broader capabilities. The film is a visually spectacular sci-fi noir that prioritizes its artistic ambitions over pandering to younger demographics. The world-building is meticulous, with Skydance Animation matching the technical quality of Bird's previous Pixar successes, <em>The Incredibles</em> and <em>Ratatouille</em>. The city itself feels alive, teeming with towering architecture and a coexistence between humans and extraterrestrials. Bird also weaves in complex themes, including racial tensions, the impact of technology on art, AI's threat to creativity, and a society where corporate and criminal lines are blurred. Despite its ambition, <em>Ray Gunn</em> occasionally struggles to balance every narrative thread. However, the film's moment-to-moment execution, filled with dense production design and sharp humor, compensates for any minor shortcomings. Bird's signature eye for composition and dynamic movement remains as strong as ever, making the futuristic landscapes and intricate action sequences a visual delight. The score by Michael Giacchino further reinforces the film's serious, dramatic intent, signaling a continuation of classic noir traditions. ![Ray and Eye slumped over on a desk drinking whiskey in Ray Gunn]( "Image: Skydance Animation/Netflix") Complementing Rockwell's wry performance as Ray Gunn is Tom Waits as his one-eyed alien partner, Eye-Ra. Waits' gravelly voice brings a sense of grounded sensibility to the lanky, green detective, who is equipped with advanced surveillance capabilities. Matthew Berry also features as the slimy mob boss Slugsy, a character who would feel at home in a classic 1950s crime film. The film masterfully blends physical comedy with genuine peril, seen in a chaotic shootout sequence that escalates with a molecule-scrambling pistol, merging classic cartoon physics with hard-boiled action. ![Ray_Gunn_n_01_00_16_21]( ")
Surprisingly, <em>Ray Gunn</em> also emerges as a deeply romantic film. As Ray delves into his investigation, he develops a strong connection with Venus Nova, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. Bird excels at portraying intimate moments, including a breathtaking zero-gravity dance sequence where the two characters shed their hardened exteriors. This tender portrayal of vulnerability offers one of the most romantic scenes in American animated cinema in recent memory.
Ultimately, <em>Ray Gunn</em> is a polished, witty, and sophisticated animated adventure that expertly blends action, sci-fi, comedy, and romance. After decades of development and industry hesitations, Bird has successfully brought his vision to life, creating a film that stands as a significant rebuttal to the notion that animation is solely for children. It is a rare example of a mature animated film in Western mainstream cinema, proving Bird's long-held assertion about the medium's boundless potential.